The petition was posted by an animal advocacy organization in Watertown. It says the pigs are mistreated and the event qualifies as illegal animal fighting.

The parish website states "Consideration is taken to ensure that the pigs are safe and free from abuse. After consultation with local authorities, it has been determined that there is no illegality associated with this event. St. Patrick Parish does not condone animal abuse."

Despite the parish's statement, Deacon Ken Bilgrien said calls from opponents have been numerous.

"It's basically put our parish out of business because our phones and emails are down," he said.

Capt. Mike Jobe of the Outagamie County Sheriff's Department said he doesn't expect a large protest at the event Sunday, but deputies will step in if needed. He agreed that the long-standing event hosted by St. Patrick Parish is not illegal.

Global Conservation Group member Jordan Turner said that said they're concerned about the pigs "being punched in the face, kicked, yelled at while they are trying to be put in a barrel."

Bilgrien said that the description of the event is not accurate.

"You gotta get the pig," he said. "This is contrary to what (Global Conservation Group) says on Facebook. We don't put them in a bucket."

The event brings in nearly $3,000 for the church, which plans to use the money for building improvements.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12 WE WILL HAVE COMPLETE ELECTION NIGHT COVERAGE. A WISCONSIN STATE FUNDRAISER IS TURNING INTO A NATIONAL CONTROVERSY. SAINT PATRICK CHURCH IN STEPHENSVILLE HAS HOSTED AN EVENT FEATURING PIG WRESTLING. A GLOBAL CONSERVATION GROUP IS CALLING IT AN ILLEGAL ANIMAL FIGHT. THEY STARTED AN ONLINE EDITION AND 26,000 SIGNATURES LATER THE EVENT IS CALLED OFF. THEY ARGUE THAT THE PHOTOS SEEN ON SOCIAL MEDIA STOP FROM THEIR EVENT. THIS IS CONTRARY TO WHAT THEY'RE SAYING. WE DO NOT PUT THEM IN A BUCKET. THERE LEGITIMATELY CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT THEY SEE OR READ ON THE FACEBOOK PAGE. I AM TOO. CHURCH LEADERS SAY THAT THE PAID WRESTLING GENERALLY BROUGHT IN $3000.